EXPERIENCE MEANINGFUL CHANGE
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
Viktor E. Frankl
ABOUT ME
Melissa Magaro, Ph.D., ABPP
Licensed Psychologist (CA #23161)
Board Certified in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology
I received my B.A. from the Clark Honors College at the University of Oregon and then earned my Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). At UCLA, I trained with Dr. Michelle Craske in the assessment and treatment of emotional disorders, with an emphasis on anxiety disorders. I completed a one-year internship at UCLA Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and then a post-doctoral fellowship specializing in evidence-based treatment for severe mental illness at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.
I am committed to helping clients thrive by utilizing scientifically proven methods to reduce symptoms, promote healing, and enhance life satisfaction. I have extensive training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and exposure-based treatments. In addition to being an Adjunct Faculty Member at the Beck Institute and a Beck Institute CBT Certified Clinician, I am a Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies as well as Board Certified in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology. Furthermore, I serve as an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. I remain active in training and clinical supervision as part of my commitment to the dissemination of evidence-based treatments.
I offer specialized evidence-based treatment of anxiety (panic, obsessive compulsive disorder, health anxiety, generalized worry, social anxiety and phobias) in addition to mood disorders and insomnia. I also have training in habit reversal training and experience working with hair pulling and skin picking. Having worked with college students for seven years at UCLA’s Counseling and Psychological Services, I have a particular interest in the developmental transition to adulthood and also specialize in perinatal concerns and the transition to parenthood.
EVIDENCE-BASED PERSONALIZED CARE
You deserve treatment that works
In the first several sessions, I will conduct an evaluation and work with you to develop a shared understanding of your concerns. This will aid us in the development of a treatment plan that is based on scientifically proven methods to help you reach your goals. Employing cutting edge cognitive-behavioral strategies, I will guide treatment and you will be the expert on what works for you. We will develop action plans so you will know what to be working on between sessions and to maximize our time together in session. We will monitor your progress utilizing standardized measures of relevant symptoms and functioning to ensure we are on track to meet your goals.
Please contact me directly regarding fees. Upon request, I will provide a statement for you to submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Please contact your insurance provider in order to determine if your policy provides reimbursement for out-of-network providers.
SERVICES OFFERED
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
A Happier, Healthier You
In therapy sessions, we'll collaboratively set agendas to keep us on track, assess progress towards your personal goals, and develop new ways of thinking and behaving to support your emotional health. We will design a personalized action plan at the end of each session so you can practice new skills in your life, where it matters most.
CLINICAL SUPERVISION
Hone Your Skills
If you are looking to learn about cognitive behavior therapy or hoping to sharpen your skills as a cognitive behavior therapist, I can help. With 10 years of experience providing clinical supervision to psychology interns and post-docs, psychiatric residents, and licensed professionals, I can help you further your skills no matter your experience level.
TRAININGS + WORKSHOPS
Customized For You
If you are seeking training on evidence-based therapy, please contact me to discuss your needs. We can customize a training that will address the specific interventions, disorders or populations relevant to your work. I have provided training ranging from workshops to week-long trainings, both domestically and internationally.
CONTACT ME
My office is centrally located near the 405/10 interchange in West Los Angeles. Parking is available for a fee in the building and street parking is available on the nearby residential streets.
Offering telehealth to California residents.
11500 W Olympic Blvd., Suite 460
Los Angeles, CA 90064
424-270-6336